Caladium ‘Red Flash’

Identity and naming history of Caladium ‘Red Flash’

‘Red Flash’ is a long-established commercial cultivar. The accepted cultivar name is ‘Flash Rouge’, with ‘Red Flash’ treated as a synonym; ‘Red Flash’ remains widely used in the plant trade.

The cultivar has been grown for many decades.

Caring for Caladium ‘Red Flash’ indoors

• Light: Give it bright filtered light. Gentle morning or evening sun can be introduced gradually.
• Temperature: Keep it warm. Protect the leaves and tuber from cold draughts, cold window glass and other cold conditions.
• Water: When the plant is growing, water once the top of the mix begins to dry and the pot feels lighter. Water thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• Humidity: Keep it away from hot, dry air such as heating vents, and keep some airflow around the leaves.
• Potting mix: Use a loose, airy mix that drains freely and still holds some moisture.
• Feeding: Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser while new leaves are growing, following the label.
• Rest: If the leaves yellow and die back, water less. Return to normal watering when new shoots appear.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot when the tubers crowd the pot or the mix becomes compacted. To propagate, divide a mature tuber so each piece has a healthy bud.
• Safety: Caladium tissue contains calcium oxalates that can irritate the mouth, skin and eyes. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling damaged tissue.

Common problems in Caladium ‘Red Flash’

• Wilting with dark, damaged roots: Pythium can cause root rot. Inspect the roots and tuber. Cut away the rot with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard everything you remove, then replant in fresh, well-drained mix.
• Tuber lesions or dry-to-soft rot: Fusarium can affect stored and growing tubers. Separate the plant. If the damaged area is small, cut away the rot with a clean tool until you reach firm, healthy tissue. Discard everything you remove. Discard a tuber with extensive rot.
• Dark or translucent patches after cold exposure: Chilling can damage the foliage and slow later growth. Move the plant to a warm position and protect fresh leaves from cold air and cold window glass.
• Silvering, stippling or webbing: Check leaf undersides for thrips and mites. Keep the plant separate while treating the infestation. Use a product labelled for indoor ornamental plants and follow the label. Repeat treatment only as directed on the label.

Caladium ‘Red Flash’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

The meaning and history of Caladium

The genus name Caladium comes from Malay keladi, a word used for taro-like aroids.

Étienne Pierre Ventenat established the genus Caladium in 1800 in Magasin Encyclopédique, volume 4, page 463.